Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 schedule beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement that will see Istanbul Park back in the limelight. The venue last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, which were added to the calendar as a response to the reshuffling caused by the Covid‑19 pandemic.
The re‑entry of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit, which also returns to next year’s roster. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current season, while the iconic races at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, bi‑annual format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the move: “We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Turkey and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1.” He added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, blending historic heritage with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business, and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 programme in 2005 and quickly became renowned for its demanding Turn 8 – a rapid sequence of left‑hand corners that effectively function as a single, high‑speed bend.
The sustained lateral forces in that section place a severe strain on drivers’ necks, making it a true test of physical endurance. During the early years of the Turkish Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated, winning three consecutive races from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also witnessed a dramatic clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, underscoring the track’s reputation for producing tense, high‑stakes battles. After disappearing from the calendar after 2011, Istanbul Park returned in 2020 as part of a revised schedule.
That year, Lewis Hamilton secured a record‑equalling seventh world title in a rain‑soaked race that tested both machinery and driver skill. The following year, the 2021 edition was again affected by wet conditions, allowing Valtteri Bottas to claim his most recent Formula 1 victory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, stating, “I regard Turkey's return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country – in our robust organisational capacity; in our modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, in the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation.” He promised that Turkey would deliver flawless organisation, as it had done in previous events.
With Turkey’s reinstatement, a total of 24 circuits now have confirmed contracts for the 2027 season. The past three Formula 1 calendars, including the original schedule for this year, each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any additional venues would not be added until at least 2028. Prospective new locations such as Bangkok in Thailand and an African Grand Prix have been discussed, but neither has materialised yet. Africa’s last Formula 1 race took place in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, and despite ongoing talks—including recent discussions between Domenicali and Rwandan officials about a potential Kigali Grand Prix—no concrete plans have been announced.
Lewis Hamilton has been an outspoken advocate for an African round, saying he intends to stay in the sport until a Grand Prix is held on the continent. He explained, “I don't want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them: when is it going to be?” He added that the prospect of racing in Africa is personally significant, noting his own African heritage. Hamilton highlighted several African locations he admires, such as Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, describing Rwanda as “spectacular” and mentioning that he could see himself living there. He argued that every other continent already hosts a Grand Prix, so Africa deserves a spot on the calendar.
The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will also feature the second Sprint weekend of the year. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, with the option to cancel at any time.